The R.W. Norton Art Gallery
4747 Creswell St. Shreveport
318-865-4201
http://www.rwnaf.org/
Free and open to all ages
This installment of Kevin Hits the Road will take us to Shreveport’s R. W. Norton Art Gallery. The gallery’s extensive gardens, children’s programs, and varied art collections make it an ideal destination for anyone in the area looking for a day trip only an hour or so drive from Lincoln Parish.
The gallery’s art collection is incredibly eclectic, ranging from modern art to items from Ancient Rome and Egypt. The first thing a visitor sees upon walking in the door is a life size acrylic sculpture of the iconic Marilyn Monroe photograph of her holding her dress down over a grate. The next room holds Western themed sculptures and paintings by Remington, Russell and others. Then there is a Roman Army discharge set in bronze that is well over 1,000 years old. There are 16th century Belgian tapestries depicting Hannibal Crossing the Alps once owned by a French King, as well as collections of photography and WWI & WWII posters. There are over 400 paintings by 100 artists in the gallery’s collection. The gallery also houses an extensive collection of rare firearms. The variety is simply amazing.
The R.W. Norton Gallery is also quite family friendly. There are educational programs for children as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.
There is more to the Norton Gallery besides a world-class museum. The Gallery is set in 40 beautifully landscaped acres of gently rolling terrain with over 15,000 plants. The walking path takes visitors past streams, waterfalls, trees and a wide variety of flowers. The botanical gardens are a superb way to cap off a visit to the museum or could be worth a trip by itself.
The R.W. Norton Gallery is one of our state’s hidden gems. From art lovers of all ages to gardeners, the Norton offers something for everyone. It is worth a visit!
